06/14/2026
If you ever wondered where the Booker PVA program might lead some of our graduates take a look at this....
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To transform Jaafar Jackson into Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller zombie, Oscar-winning makeup designer Bill Corso led a meticulous five-hour process. The team used custom foam latex appliances, specialized grease paints, and hand-painted details to perfectly recreate the legendary 1982 look originally designed by Rick Baker. Every step ensured the makeup remained historically accurate and visually stunning on screen.
Corso consulted directly with Baker to match the original aqua shade, mixing it with castor oil for the rubber mask foundation. The team executed the detailed prosthetic and paint application in one continuous session, balancing high-stakes precision with artistry. This complex process brought Thriller’s iconic zombie to life, capturing every nuance of Michael Jackson’s legendary performance for the biopic.